09 June 2005
Millions of pounds of conservation and regeneration work is to be carried out in Camborne, Redruth, Gwennap and St Day, thanks to a partnership between Cornwall County Council and Kerrier District Council.
Between them they have secured £5.5 million of funding to create "an accessible heritage experience" in the former central mining district, by connecting important mining sites and villages via a network of multi-use trails.
The new grant follows on from the £500,000 granted in 2004 to carry out a 12-month feasibility study.
The Mineral Tramways Heritage Project will see the preservation of 11 mining heritage sites, 10 Grade II listed structures and three schedule monuments, and the making safe of numerous dangerous mine shafts.
A 30km heritage trail will be created linking mine sites, mining heritage attractions, settlements, public transport and visitor attractions, to add to the existing 30km of the Coast to Coast and the Great Flat Lode trails.
Thirteen villages adjoining the Mineral Tramways trail will undergo enhancement work, with new links created to attract people in to boost the economies.
And there will be a major marketing, education and interpretation programme to increase awareness of the area's heritage.
Simon Murray, acting principal project officer said: "The project has so far received tremendous support from the local community and both district and county councils. I now hope that continued liaison with the local community will ensure that the project is successfully delivered on the ground."
Adam Paynter, the County Council's executive member for environment and heritage, said: "This is fantastic news for Cornwall. It's another feather in the cap for Cornwall where a lot of work is being done to preserve and enhance our important history."
Mark Kaczmarek, Kerrier's portfolio holder for regeneration and chairman of the Mineral Tramways Partnership Steering Group, said: "I am delighted that all the hard work we have put into the project has resulted in the extra funding being granted.
"This is going to have a real positive impact on the regeneration of the mining villages by linking them to the very popular coast to coast multi-use trail network by upgrading some of the existing footpaths and bridleway and creating many kilometres of new trails."
Carleen Kelemen, director of the Objective One Partnership said: "The programme has invested more than £1.5 million in this project. Cornwall's mining landscape is of international importance and the central mining district is a key part of the proposed World Heritage Site.
"Investing in the conservation of this key aspect of the distinctiveness of Cornwall and provides new and exciting opportunities for both residents and visitors to visit and explore the countryside.
"This will provide the building blocks for heritage-led tourism, bringing benefits to local businesses and people."
Funding partners for the project include the Objective One Programme, South West Regional Development Agency, Heritage Lottery Fund, Cornwall County Council, Kerrier and Carrick District Councils, and parish councils in the project area.
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